Tag Archives: Traditions

Korrika 2022, a relay race to support Basque Language

This year, SOFI 64 is happy to be part of the 22nd edition of KORRIKA.

As a French language school welcoming so many students of different nationalities, we truly believe languages are a part of ourself and that learning another language gives us the opportunity to experience a culture, to see our environment and the world differently.

This is why we will run the kilometer n° 2381 starting at the Port Vieux beach in Biarritz on April 9 at 20:28 precisely. All our students, teachers and friends are welcome to join us to run and show their support to the Basque language and culture.

During eleven days and ten nights, Korrika will travel 2,575 kilometers throughout the seven provinces of the Basque Country. The aim is to promote the use of Basque language and to raise funds to finance intensive Basque courses and evening classes for adults.

Korrika will end in San Sebastian on Sunday, April 10 at 12:30.

SOFI 64 and Korrika 2022

Candlemas or Crêpes Day

Assiette de crêpes et de fruits rouges

Because in France everything or almost everything has a connection with gastronomy, we had to tell you about this special day the whole country love: Candlemas (La Chandeleur in French).

Of course, French people, who are huge gourmands at heart, do not hesitate to eat crêpes all year long but this one day gives them a good excuse to eat some (more)!

Originally a pagan festival dating back to Roman times, Candlemas was celebrated in honor of the God Pan. This feast consisted of walking through the streets with torches or candles.

At the beginning of February, the days gradually begin to lengthen. The consumption of crêpes would thus be a tribute to the cycle of the seasons and the arrival of spring announcing better days. Round and golden, crêpes symbolized the sun and the return to light.

Christianized later in the 5th century, it is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, always on February 2nd.

As a result, La Chandeleur is a mix of both of these traditions Pagan & Christian.

Big fans of crêpes since our youngest age, we share with you 3 illustrated crêpes recipes easy to make.

Bon appétit!

Recette de crêpes illustrée

Recette de crêpes Recette de crêpes makis illustrée

What to do in Anglet/Biarritz?!

You want to join us and yet wonder what is left to do after your great French lessons in the morning?

You may already know that Biarritz and Anglet are two great cities for surfing and sunbathing. There are many other things to do around here. Just follow us!

To See and To Do

Sometimes simple things are the best! Sit and enjoy an amazing sunset at the beach… There are 15 stunning beaches in Anglet and Biarritz! 🙂
Summer can be really hot some days and enjoying a stroll under the shade of Anglet’s peaceful forest can do you good.
There are also 2 beautiful lakes & parks where you can stroll around in Biarritz, picnic and take a nap!
Visit Biarritz’ lighthouse, climb the 248 steps and see…!
Parc Izadia in Anglet is an ecologic park. Enjoy a guided tour in this beauty right next to the Ocean.
Saint-Jean-De-Luz is a city located 30 minutes away from Biarritz. Visit the Maison Louis XIV, the church where the king got married, try some delicious macaroons, swim in the beautiful bay…
La Rhune with its “Petit Train” (small train”). For those who prefer hiking, you can also climb this mountain by foot and enjoy a cold drink once at the summit!
Of course, there are also many boutiques where you can shop anything you want!
The Roof will give you the opportunity to practice climbing and eat something local and fresh!
The biggest skatepark in South West France is also located in Biarritz.

+++ Golf, Rafting, Kayaking, Basque sports, Baby golf…

Going Out

La Chope (bar at the beach La Chambre d’Amour) —> Great atmosphere right in front of the Ocean
Kostaldea (bar & food) —> Great atmosphere too with a wonderful view over the Ocean, the beaches and Biarritz’ lighthouse.
Le Classique (bar & tapas) —> Bar in Biarritz with great coffee, great tapas, great cocktails, great music… on aime Le Classique! 🙂
Bar Jean (bar & restaurant) —> Amazing atmosphere and very good local food!

Eating

Surf Burger (plage Les Sables d’Or à Anglet) —> A good place to enjoy a burger after surfing! Good news for vegetarians: there are a vegetarian burger and a vegetarian wrap filled with a delicious quinoa portion.
L’Escale (plage des Sables d’Or) —> Also great to eat with a large variety of sandwiches, panini and wraps! French fries are homemade! 😉
Pizz’After Beach (place de la chapelle à Anglet) —> Craving for a delicious pizza? This is the place to eat! Quality ingredients, thin paste, various choices… you will visit this place more than once!
Le Neptune (Esplanade des Gascons à Anglet) —> A restaurant next to the Ocean where you can enjoy an organic fruit juice, some nice crêpes, a delicious burger or a quinoa salad…
Ceviche Saline (Rue Gambetta à Biarritz) —> For fish lovers! <3
Olea Mediterranean Cuisine (2 rue du Helder à Biarritz) —> Fresh homemade salads, mozzarella rolls with avocado, tomatoes (…), fruit salads, soups… an amazing place for vegetarians, food lovers and also meat eaters! 😉

Our awesome partners

Namaste Yoga with Laura Hubaide —> An enthusiast yoga instructor with a great energy. You will feel relaxed and fulfilled after your yoga session!
PowerSurf Center with Romain Laulhé —> Wether you are a beginner or a experienced surfer, Romain will help you surf better and get more confidence while going out!
Les roues de Lilou —> Need a ride? You like bikes but are not a big fan of sweat? Les roues de Lilou provides beautiful electric bikes. Visit Biarritz without effort!

Surfer in Anglet Sunset in Anglet / Biarritz Lighthouse Eating in Biarritz

For your French breakfast, you can have…

Une tasse de café

Une tasse de thé

Un croissant

De la confiture

POUR ALLER PLUS LOIN AVEC LE VOCABULAIRE:

Le matin, c’est pas toujours facile… Heureusement, le petit-déjeuner est là! Avant d’aller travailler, je prends une tasse de café ou un thé avec un croissant (ou deux!) et un peu de confiture de fraises. Parfois, je bois un verre de jus d’orange et … en route pour le boulot! 🙂

Et vous, que prenez-vous pour le petit-déj’?

En France, se saluer peut vite devenir un sport! Faire la bise peut paraître ridicule ou compliqué ou bien les deux… Selon l’endroit où vous vous trouvez, la personne que vous saluez, la distance que vous voulez briser, l’occasion que vous souhaitez célébrer, vous devez choisir: une bise, deux bises, trois, quatre? Par quelle joue commencer?…

Paul Taylor déchiffre la bise pour vous avec un humour … anglais! Enjoy!